Proper nutrition is the best opportunity to keep your puppy healthy throughout his life. If you start him with good nutrition and give him adequate veterinary care from the beginning, his chances of developing a growth disorder are greatly reduced.
Tasty Tips
Growth disorders include abnormal posture, bowed legs, severe obesity, painful joints, muscle wasting, hip dysplasia and difficulty walking. If your puppy grows too fast, he may develop those symptoms.
Large or giant breed puppies (those who will weigh more than 55 pounds when fully grown) are the breeds most at risk for growth disorders. Other factors like environment, genetics and nutrition also play a part in your dog's risk.
Feeding your puppy the right food in the right way is essential to his proper development. How should you feed your puppy? Veterinarians recommend these options for better control of growth rate and body weight:
- Meal restrictions - Dividing daily food amount into two to three servings
- Time-restrictions - Giving food for specific time intervals
It's much easier to prevent growth disorders than treat them, so properly feeding your puppy the right food will be the best preventative measure you can take. For large and giant breed puppies, veterinarians recommend a food with restricted energy and calcium. Medium and small breed puppies benefit from controlled intake of a properly balanced growth formula.
For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.
Related products
Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
We make every bag of our dry dog food in our own US facilities with highest quality ingredients from North America, Europe and New Zealand. These ingredients must meet our strict requirements for purity and nutrient content, which exceed industry standards.
You can make a difference in the lives of shelter pets. With every purchase of Science Diet you help feed shelter pets globally - every day. In AUSTRALIA, since 1997, we have provided over 1.6M kg of Hill's pet food to LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS. Learn more at http://hillspet.com.au/shelters
Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Related articles
Puppy Supplies You Really Need
Gather the following puppy supplies to prepare your family for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a dog parent.
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
Discover fun and engaging games and other ways to help your dog exercise, keeping him happy and healthy.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Keeping Your Dog From Begging at the Dinner Table
Learn how to stop your dog from begging at the dinner table, and understand how it can help contribute to his health.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.